Kawartha Lakes, ON – With the second year of STEAM School complete, it’s hard to say which grew more: the learners or the program itself.
Ampere’s STEAM School started in 2024, offering youth ages 9 to 12 an opportunity for learners to dive deeper into STEAM, explore their interests, power-up their passions and make new connections in the Kawartha Lakes community. The program offers the latest technology, expert guest speakers and unique learning experiences, while providing a welcoming environment where students intrigued by science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) can flourish.
Between the 2024/2025 school year and the 2025/2026 school year that concluded this past June, STEAM School saw some impressive, intriguing developments.
“The growth we saw was immense. We went from having four recurring learners last year to 12 with a waitlist this year,” says Melissa Jegeris, who has been leading STEAM School since its inception. “We also opened up the opportunity for some of our younger community members to join us for STEAM school on Tuesdays. We had 6 students between the two groups that came for the entire year, and are already eager for next year’s opportunities!”
Jegeris notes, in addition to the influx in learners, the structure of the program also evolved, as STEAM School administrators learned from the success and opportunities for growth from the previous year.
For the 2025/2026 year, STEAM School started operating in sessions: two-month periods with a focus on each of the aspects of STEAM. This gave learners the chance to hone in on their favourite part of STEAM while also stepping out of their comfort zone in sessions centred around areas of study.
Witnessing the progress of those learners was a major highlight for Jegeris.
“My favourite part of STEAM school is the connections these learners have with one another,” the educator beams. “They all come from different schools and backgrounds but when they are in our space they act like they have known each other for years. They have all said that they feel comfortable to be themselves, they can be who they are without fear of judgement, and that STEAM School is a safe space for them. The community we have created is definitely my favourite part of STEAM School.”
Other highlights of the year, according to Jegeris, include the field trips to the pumpkin patch, the Kawartha Lakes Library, the Kawartha Art Gallery, the Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives and the Riverview Park and Zoo.
The social studies and math research project also offered significant (and fun) learning opportunities, where students chose something they were personally interested in and showcase it in their own way, such as a slide show, poster board or pamphlet.
“The students loved these activities as they got to work to their strength with the flexibility of this project,” says Jegeris, pointing out the impact of student-led learning.
Jegeris believes the small group sizes with two educators are part of what makes STEAM School so special as learners can ask their questions and get the extra help, often receiving 1-on-1 attention, making the learning experience more meaningful.
She also saw students’ confidence grow through the year, as students who weren’t comfortable with writing at the beginning of the year were, by the end, writing paragraphs on the Smart Board for the whole class to read. Along the same vein, parents have informed the educators that their child’s grades in their traditional classes have improved because of the complimentary learning they’re receiving at STEAM School.
While the learners she spent her school year with are busy enjoying the summer break, Jegeris has a message for them.
“Thank you for your dedication, commitment, excitement and fun you have brought to this past school year,” she says. “I have learned so much from all of you and have had such a great time playing, growing and discovering with all of you. You have all made this a place to be yourself, to grow and connect. I have loved this past year together!”
As for the parents, Jegeris thanks them for their support in making this year of STEAM School a roaring success.
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About Ampere
For over a decade, Ampere (formerly the Pinnguaq Association) has partnered with rural, remote and Indigenous communities to provide access to science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) education and opportunities. Founded in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Ampere applies a Lifecycle approach to ensure that its supporting learners at every age, and every stage of life. Ampere offers programming directly through Makerspaces in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Bathurst, New Brunswick, and in the Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, and works directly with community partners, social organizations, governmental funders and educational institutions from coast to coast to coast.
